Natural Remedies for Immunity
Alpha-lipoic Acid
Sulfur-bearing antioxidants such as alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl
cysteine, and taurine and vitamin C elevate levels of glutathione (a natural antioxidant within the
body).
Alpha-lipoic acid assists in the production of energy. It is also a powerful antioxidant. Alpha-lipoic acid also stimulates immunity and inhibits replication of HIV.
The body synthesizes its own alpha-lipoic acid for use in energy production. However, it makes only trace amounts of alpha-lipoic acid with none to spare.
As an antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid normally helps the body recycle other antioxidants, including vitamin E, CoQ10 and glutathione.
For alpha-lipoic acid to serve as a super-antioxidant, scientists
believe that we need plenty of ALA. This can only be accomplished with
supplementation. Alpha-lipoic acid also prevents free radical damage
from diabetic nerve damage, cataracts, and the brain, where free radicals contribute to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Alpha-lipoic acid reinforces our defenses against infections
in several ways: